Introduction

The Discovery Channel has begun the planning stages for next year's documentaries and want to include an episode about a dramatic geological event, such as an earthquake or a volcanic eruption.  Eight research teams have been formed to determine which event should be the focus of the documentary.  Although all eight have very dramatic aspects to them, only one project can be funded this year.  Therefore, each group must do its best to present accurate historical and geological information in a Power Point presentation in a creative way that will appeal to viewers.

The Task

The eight geological events which will be investigated are:
 

As you move through this WebQuest, you and your group members need to research one of the above geological events looking for the following information:

• What was the area and life like before the event?
• When did the event occur and what happened to the people of the area?
• What are the geological factors that influenced the event?
• What was the area and life like after the event?
• What are the chances of the event re-occurring today?

The following links will help you in your research:
 

In addition to these websites, your group should also make use of scientific journals, magazines, books and encyclopedias.

The Process

Working in a group of four, your team will navigate through the selected websites to find the information needed for your documentary.  Each member of the team will take on a role and be responsible for gathering the information associated with that role.
 
 

Role	Description
Sociologist/historian (pre-event)	A description of the geography of the area A description of the environment/ecosystems A description of the local culture What are the daily life styles of the people?
News Reporter	What happened? When? Where? The amount of damage, number of casualties What was the magnitude of the event What are the frequencies of occurrence? What are the chances of it happening again?
Geologist: Volcanoes	An explanation of plate tectonics in regards to volcanoes A description of the type of volcano A description of how the volcano was formed  A description of the lava flow
Geologist: Earthquakes	An explanation of plate tectonics in regards to earthquakes A description of the type of fault An explanation of seismograph readings An explanation of the ranges of severity
Sociologist/historian (post-event)	A description of the geography changes A description of the changes in the environment/ecosystems A description in the changes in the local culture A description in the changes to the daily life styles of the people

Evaluation

The grading rubric below indicates how each group will be evaluated for a final grade.  This assignment is worth a total of 100 points.
 

Task	Lots of Work to do! (Grade = D)	Not yet, but close (Grade = C)	Got it! Met the Standards! (Grade = B)	Wow!  Exceeded the Standards!  (Grade = A)
Description of the event (10 points)	The event is not adequately described	The event is described well, but limited in some areas	Effectively describes the event	Excellently describes all aspects of the event
Description of the geology involved (10 points)	The geology surrounding the event was not adequately explained	The geology was described well, but some details were missing	Effectively describes the geology surrounding the event	Thoroughly explains all aspects of the geology surrounding the event
Description of the history (pre/post) (20 points)	The history surrounding the event is not adequately described	The history is explained well, but some details are missing	Effectively describes the history surrounding the event	Excellently explains all aspects of the history surrounding the event
Power Point slides (30 points)	Only a few slides follow the 6 by 6 rule	Most of the slides follow the 6 by 6 rule	Followed the 6 by 6 rule on each slide	Followed the 6 by 6 rule on each slide; includes appropriate graphics and animation
Presentation (20 points)	Two of the following occur:  some members of the group do not participate in the presentation, part of the project is missing, OR the or presenters are unfocused and act in a distracting manner	Either some members of the group do not participate in the presentation, part of the project is missing, OR the or presenters are unfocused and act in a distracting manner	All of the group members present part of the project	All of the group members present part of the project; students make eye contact with the audience, speak slowly and clearly, and have prepared ahead of time what will be said
Participation (10 points)	The members do not share equally in gathering information and  creating the Power Point presentation AND one or more members exhibits an argumentative, uncooperative attitude towards other members in the group	Either the members do not share equally in gathering information and  creating the Power Point presentation OR one or more members exhibits an argumentative, uncooperative attitude towards other members in the group	Each member participates fully in gathering information and  creating the Power Point presentation	Each member participates fully in gathering information and  creating the Power Point presentation; the members work together as a supportive, cooperative team

Conclusion

Upon the completion of this assignment, you should have a greater understanding of the causes of earthquakes and volcanoes, the range of magnitudes of geological events and the impact these events have on the people and the environment in the surrounding areas.